The American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) reported Thursday that steel exports declined in April compared to March by 5.3 percent according to government data. Comparatively, steel exports increased in March 2013 over February 2013 by 6.1 percent. "Other than a small increase in exports to Mexico, US steel exports declined to all major markets and most minor markets in April as steel demand continues to be weak in NAFTA and international markets. The month-to-month decline in April, even in the normally stronger first half of the year, heavily reflects anemic conditions in the US and our NAFTA partners' markets. Whether the seasonal upturn is merely delayed or is ‘cancelled' for 2013 is open to question. With other regions in the world also showing weak and weakening market conditions, exports have clearly been negatively affected," said David Phelps, president, AIIS.
Steel exports in the first five months of the year of 2013 compared to the same 2012 period were down by 12.2 percent. Total steel exports in April 2013 were 1.041 million tons compared to 1.1 million tons in March 2013, a 5.3 percent decrease, and a 10.7 percent decrease compared to April 2012. According to year-to-date figures, exports decreased 12.2 percent compared to 2012 or from 4.844 million tons in 2012 to 4.255 million tons in 2013.